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Petrie declined to name an asking price for the 21-year-old, making it clear Fletcher was to remain with the Leith club until at least the end of the season.

West Brom and Cardiff also made contact over a potential deal before the window closed at 5pm, but it was the chance to join the SPL champions that Fletcher strongly desired and he has been left upset by Hibs’ refusal to entertain Celtic’s interest.

Agent Scott Fisher outlined the depth of his feelings, saying: ‘Steven is extremely disappointed and feels let down by Hibs. Hibs were unwilling to give Celtic a concrete figure and so we were unable to conclude a deal.

‘He feels he is not getting the opportunity to further his career.’

Frustrated: Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was unable to land his man

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has been left frustrated at being unable to conclude a deal he hoped would significantly boost his side’s bid for four SPL titles in a row.

He allowed Cillian Sheridan yesterday, with Ben Hutchison now set to fill in as fourth-choice striker behind Scott McDonald, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Georgios Samaras.

Fletcher is under contract at Hibs until 2013 but is increasingly disillusioned and will now assess whether to ask to go on the transfer list. However, Easter Road boss Mixu Paatelainen fully expects his striker, who has scored six times this season, to remain motivated.

Denied: Hibernian defender Rob Jones was not allowed to leave the club

‘I can understand the player,’ said Paatelainen. ‘I have been a player myself and players are ambitious; they want to experience European football, the Champions League and Celtic are a massive club.

‘So I can’t say I am totally flabbergasted, but Steven will remain totally committed to Hibs as he wants to develop as a player.’

Fletcher is not the only Hibs player left angry at being denied a move after Nottingham Forest yesterday had a bid worth around £300,000 rejected for Rob Jones.

The Easter Road captain was previously the subject of two failed offers by Colchester and had set his heart on a return to England.

Like Fletcher, however, Jones will be told to forget his grievances and aid Hibs’ challenge to qualify for next season’s Europa League. The Leith outfit did sell one player yesterday, with Dean Shiels moving to Doncaster for a fee of around £50,000.